Once the Dominion is taken out, Tain plans to take control of the Obsidian Order. Since his attempt on Garak's life failed, he asks Garak to join him, and Garak immediately agrees. Arc significance This episode and its successor, "The Die Is Cast", are a pivotal moment in the timeline of Deep Space Nine, one which would define the plotline for the remainder of the series. After several episodes establishing the Dominion as a threat, beginning with "The Jem'Hadar", the events of this episode make the eventual war between the Dominion and the Alpha Quadrant inevitable. The repercussions of the events depicted in this episode resonate throughout the remainder of the series, as the attempted preemptive invasion of the Gamma Quadrant by the joint Romulan and Cardassian fleet leads to the crippling of the Obsidian Order, a war between the Cardassians and Klingons, and the eventual absorption of Cardassia into the Dominion, which precipitates the beginning of the war between the Dominion and the United Federation of Planets, which occupies the final two seasons of Deep Space Nine. Reception In 2015, Geek.com recommended this episode as "essential watching" for their abbreviated Star Trek: Deep Space Nine binge-watching guide, pairing it with the following episode "The Die is Cast". They note this duet of episodes is Garak-centric, and also includes special-effect scenes of space battles. The Hollywood Reporter rated "Improbable Cause" as the 71st best episode of Star Trek overall, noting its mystery and intrigue. They also ranked it the 20th best episode in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in 2016. In this episode the Station's main detective, the alien-shape shifter Odo, investigates an attack on Garak's shop. In 2018, CBR rated "Improbable Cause" coupled with its second part "The Die Is Cast", as the 12th best multi episode story arc of Star Trek. As a pair with the following episode "The Die Is Cast", "Improbable Cause" was ranked as the 6th best episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine by Vulture. They highlight the character of Garak, played by Andrew Robinson. Den of Geek also reviewed it paired with "The Die Is Cast", and ranked it among the best of the series in 2019. Releases This episode was released on LaserDisc in Japan on October 2, 1998, in the half-season collection 3rd Season Vol. 2. The set included episodes from "Destiny" to "The Adversary" on double sided 12 inch optical